We all know that women have children, but we often fail to really marvel at the fact that the female body is actually designed to conceive, grow and deliver a baby! The female reproductive system is fully outfitted for a delivery that is both natural and safe. Often, women have fears about the birth process, but it is so important to trust in the body’s innate abilities to perform the way it is intended. Safe delivery for both mother and child is more likely when the mother is healthy, both mentally and physicall

Natural delivery is what the female body is designed for; however one in three children is born by cesarean delivery. If our bodies are specifically equipped for this task, why are medical and pharmaceutical interventions a growing trend in birth and delivery? Cesarean deliveries are meant to be performed only when natural delivery is not possible or safe. There are certainly complications that can develop that warrant this type of intervention, but it is important to know the risks of this surgical procedure, and to have a birth plan set in place that prepares you for any circumstance that might arise. Making informed decisions before delivery day is the best way to ensure a desired experience and outcome. Most importantly, the safety of both mother and child is paramount throughout the entire process. The good news is that there are things that expectant mothers can do to decrease the chances of surgical intervention during the birthing process!

Delivery of a baby is one of the most physically taxing events a woman can go through. Preparation of the body for this event is crucial to a successful, natural delivery! Think about how you might prepare for a marathon. You should prepare your body and mind for delivery in much the same way! The obvious first task is exercise. Regular exercise can help reduce overall discomfort related to pregnancy and the likelihood of complications that may necessitate intervention like cesarean delivery. Exercise has also been shown to improve heart health and help prepare the body for the actual delivery of the baby. Next on the prep list is eating right. Your body needs nutritious foods to grow a healthy baby! Choose things like fruits, vegetables and grass fed meats and poultry. Eat food that grows, but wash it first! Bacteria on food can make the body sick if it has not been exposed to it previously. The third thing to focus on is sleep. Rejuvenate the mind and body through meditation and rest! Maintaining an aligned spine and pelvis ensures proper space and structural alignment for a quicker, more comfortable delivery. Doing all of these things can improve overall health during and after delivery! The body is the first home for this baby and this environment plays such a vital role in the development and growth! Starting or maintaining an exercise regimen, eating right and resting balances the body and lays the groundwork for an easy delivery. Making decisions ahead of time and preparing your mind and body for many different scenarios will ease the stress of the entire process.

Any questions?!

Kelly J. Donaldson DC, MS

All parents-to-be wish for a birth experience that is both safe and easy. Like many major events in life (weddings, graduations etc…) it is unlikely that everything will go 100% according to plan. However, having a plan in place will ensure a smoother and more successful delivery with less panic in the event that something does go wrong

Parenting begins long before the arrival of the baby. With so many decisions and options available, it is imperative to plan ahead! Research your options and choose a plan that works best for you and your family. This will give mother and father peace of mind. Having a plan in place also reduces the feelings of pressure and indecisiveness during the actual birth.

Choosing a team of healthcare providers is truly important to the birthing process. Find a physician and/or birth attendant that is competent and focused on having a safe and natural birth. Having the mindset that birth is meant to be a natural process will channel energy to that process and away from surgical interventions that may not be necessary. Discuss your birth plan with your doctor and make sure you are on the same page! Remember that there may be situations where plan flexibility is necessary so it is important to think about potential complications that may arise during the birthing process, and determine what you want in the event that those changes occur. Worst case scenario, you get an injury during childbirth, call a birth injury attorney to help you investigate and claim compensation for your injury.

What better way to prepare for birth, than to prepare the vessel that delivers the baby—the body! We train for marathons. Why would the very physical event of birth be any different? Exercise during pregnancy is encouraged as long as you do not have major complications. Walking, swimming, jogging and yoga are a few examples of exercises that you can do during pregnancy. Remaining healthy and in shape will strengthen your body as well as increase flexibility and stamina for the delivery process. Exercise will also reduce stress both mentally and physically. So get moving!

 Chiropractic is a wonderful way to prepare your body for delivery and to reduce the discomforts associated with pregnancy. The baby must make his/her way through the birth canal. This can be a difficult process if the body is structurally out of line. An aligned pelvis will make this trip faster and easier on both the mother and baby.

 Remember that not everything always goes according to plan, but that having a plan is more likely to get you an outcome that you desire! Discuss your birthing options and decide what you want for you and your baby. Stand firm in your plan, but prepare for situations that call for a change that may be best for you and your baby.

 Any questions?!

 Kelly J. Donaldson DC, MS